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Life gets away from you sometimes. We’ve had a lot of things going on both at home and at work, some good and some bad. I’ve still been running but I was reminded today that I have been slacking when it comes to my blog. Which is 100% true. Plus, I means, it’s summer. After spending most of my days in an office in front of computer, it can be challenging to get myself to sit down and just get typing. But today I’m getting it done!

It’s been nearly a month since the Scotiabank Half Marathon. The memories and impressions are still vivid, but a few of the details may have slipped my mind…so bear with me as I tell you about my 39th half marathon…

It’s been a year since the VancouverFirst Half Half Marathon was cancelled due to snow. February 2017 – what a month that was! Anyone who had registered for last year’s race was given both a discount and priority registration for the 2018 race. So really, how could I turn down an opportunity like that?

The First Half was literally my first half in 2018…and despite a case of nerves, it turned out to be a day of fun, sun, and personal success!

When I first saw a post about the brand new Mission Half Marathon, I thought: “Hey! A new half marathon! Maybe I’ll give it a go.” I visited the website, saw the course, and thought: “Never in a million years.” Then, just a week before the race, I was offered a complimentary entry to the race…well, it was offered to a few people, but I was the only one willing and available to jump on board.

The Mission Half Marathon is unique, probably one of the few races of its kind in the world. Curiosity piqued? Let me tell you about the course…a drag race course…and then play it on repeat…

Upon the completion of the epic SeaWheeze Half Marathon in 2016, I figured it was probably a ‘one and done’ type of scenario. Although I enjoy the hype and the bling, my race tastes tend toward the smaller and more understated. However, when I was given the unexpected opportunity to run SeaWheeze 2017, I jumped at the chance! And do I have any regrets? Not a single one!

I’ve given the spiel before – SeaWheeze / lululemon / yoga / Vancouver – the SeaWheeze Half Marathon is one of those races that draws people from all over the world, that sells out in an hour, and that gets everyone talking. SeaWheeze 2017 was no exception!

While I’m not entirely motivated by the hype and the bling of big races, I have enjoyed the Rock ‘n’ Roll races immensely. The events are well-organized, the participants and volunteers are enthusiastic, and the medals are arguably the best out there!

Montreal

With the cancellation of Vancouver race, Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal is now the only RnR event in Canada. Second only to Vancouver – which is arguably the most beautiful city in the country (but perhaps I’m biased…) – Montreal holds a place in my heart as the most vibrant, culturally exciting place in Canada!

When I signed up for the April Fool’s Half Marathon, it was back in September – at the Super Earlybird rate, and I saved extra with a promo code and a BC Athletics membership. As such, the race only cost me $22! What a steal! The joke was on me, however, when in the midst of planning for our trip to Japan, and my participation in the Kumagaya Sakura Marathon – I forgot I had signed up!

Thankfully, Debra reminded me – and also helped coordinate transportation for me (thanks, Humphrey!) – so I was ready to run when we arrived on the Sunshine Coast for the April Fool’s Half Marathon.

The first April Fool’s joke arrived early – over Messenger – when Humphrey announced that he was picking me up for the ferry at 5am. 5am?! In the morning??

Late in 2015, we booked a trip to Japan – and little did I know that I would be running my first ‘international’ race at the Kumagaya Sakura Marathon! It was, in fact, a half marathon – and we coordinated our travels to end up in the Tokyo area in time for the race. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

Let me tell about the Japan race experience – a bit about what’s the same as other half marathons I have run, and what is completely different. Introducing, the Kumagaya Sakura Marathon!

I’ve been very fortunate to combine travel with racing over the past couple of years. Last year, I ran the Ottawa Half Marathon (which also runs through Quebec), and combined the trip with a visit with my Dad. Way back in April of this year – very likely in order to take advantage of the earlybird discount – I signed up for my second ever race in Ontario. I was able to meet up not only with Dad, but also with extended family and some friends I hadn’t seen in many years! And that race was the Hamilton Road2Hope Half Marathon!